Can a metal roof be installed over shingles? (2024)

Can a metal roof be installed over shingles?

One big advantage to metal roofing is that it is light weight, which makes it the perfect material to be installed over an existing shingle roof.

Do you need to remove shingles before installing a metal roof?

Metal roofs can be installed over your existing roof without tearing off shingles, provided local building codes allow it. While shingle removal is the preferred route, tear-off is messy and raises the cost of the job. A potential problem with this type of installation is trapped water vapor.

What are the pros and cons of putting metal roof over shingles?

A big reason people install metal roofs is because they are mildew and rot-resistant. But if moisture can get between your metal roof and your existing asphalt shingles, that great benefit is non-existent. Moisture between your roofing materials will still lead to mold, mildew and rot.

What are the two biggest concerns to a metal roof?

Are there any disadvantages of a metal roof?

Metal roofs can fade in time or may be susceptible to staining. If not installed correctly, metal roofs can fail at the seams. It's essential to have a metal roof installed by a qualified, experienced contractor. Metal roofs are considerably more expensive than most other options.

Can you put metal directly on shingles?

Yes, it's possible to put metal roofing over shingles. Before you get started on your project, though, you will need to check with your local building department to see if they'll allow you to. Some areas will only allow re-roofing over one layer of shingles while others will allow over two layers.

How much more is a metal roof over shingles?

Metal roofs, on the other hand, take more specialized knowledge to install, and the material itself is more expensive. Final prices vary based on brand and location, but the average cost of an asphalt shingle roof is $7,000 to $10,000, while metal roofs typically cost between $12,000 and $20,000.

How much does labor cost to install a metal roof over shingles?

Metal roofing cost an average of $13,200 to install on a 1,700-square-foot roof. It is important to note that more than two-thirds of the price often goes toward materials alone. You'll pay anywhere from $1 to $25 per square foot for metal roofing materials plus another $2 to $14 per square foot for labor.

Does having a metal roof lower your insurance?

That's why insurance companies consider the age, condition, material, and shape of your roof when determining your insurance coverage and costs. In general, your homeowners insurance may cost less if you have a newer roof made of more durable materials, like metal or slate.

Does a metal roof interfere with WIFI?

In fact, countless homeowners and businesses have installed metal roofs due to their many benefits and have no issues with their internet connections. Not only will a metal roof not block your wi-fi signals, but you also won't have trouble with cell phone reception, either.

What color metal roof is most energy efficient?

White is the best color for energy efficiency because of the albedo effect. With a white roof, or a roof with a color that has similarly lighter hues, the sun's rays are reflected instead of absorbed.

Does a metal roof devalue a house?

Metal roofs are often touted as a good way to boost home value, but research indicates they are not as cost-effective as laminate shingles. The Remodeling Report for 2019 found that a metal roof, on average, cost homeowners $38,600 and increased home value by 60.9 percent.

Are metal roofs loud when raining?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions we hear from homeowners interested in metal roofing, so we'll get right to the point–no, metal roofs are not loud in the rain.

How do you vent a metal roof over shingles?

To vent the roof, holes are cut in the old roof (Detail 1) above the soffit, which pulls air through the soffit vents underneath. Cool outside air then travels under the shingles to the vented ridge (Detail 2), pulling out moisture and heat.

Do metal roofs leak over time?

Few Roofing Products offer the durability, strength, and performance of metal roofing. That being said metal roofs aren't indestructible and they can leak.

Do metal roofs attract lightning?

Extensive research has proven that metal roofing is no more likely to attract a lightning strike than any other type of roofing material. In fact, as a non-combustible material with the highest Class A fire-resistance rating, metal roofing is one of the best materials for homes in lightning-prone regions.

What is the upkeep on a metal roof?

Standing seam metal roof maintenance

Failing to periodically check (and replace if needed) the flashing around your metal roof's penetrations will lead to a roof leak. But other than that, cleaning is the only other general maintenance needed, and that's a personal choice for each customer.

Do metal roofs rust over time?

With advances in paint systems, finishes, and other technologies, metal roofs will withstand oxidation and rusting for most of its lifetime. However, there can be factors that affect whether or not your roof rusts. If you have plain, bare steel for example, it will rust.

Is it OK to walk on a metal roof?

Most metal roofs are manufactured and installed in such a way as to be safe to walk across without the worry of damaging the roof. You might mark or scuff the finish or paint on your metal roof, but average foot traffic shouldn't significantly impact the longevity or performance of your metal roof.

Can you put metal roof over 2 layers of shingles?

Many metal roofing systems can be installed over 1-2 layers of existing asphalt shingles, saving time, labor, and landfill costs.

Can you put metal roof over shingles without furring strips?

It is not recommended to install metal roofing over shingles without furring strips. The thermal expansion and contraction of the metal will rub against the shingle granules and the metal will corrode from the underside. The gaps introduced by furring strips also allow air venting which can reduce moisture.

What is the best underlayment for metal roof?

30# felt underlayment (or two layers of 15# felt) are recommended for metal roof panels. Felt is an all-over roofing accessory made of a natural (wood cellulose, natural fibers, etc.) or synthetic (polyester or fiberglass) base that is then saturated in asphalt to make it water-resistant.

What is the cheapest metal roofing?

Corrugated steel panel roofs are the least expensive type of metal roofing, costing about $3.50 to $6.50 per square foot comparable to the price of asphalt shingle roofing.

Are metal roofs worth the extra cost?

The beauty of a metal roof adds style and value to your home that makes it more appealing to buyers. Remodeling magazine did a study that was published by Angie's List. The results of the study showed that metal roofs renovated with standing seam metal roofing recoup 85% to 95% of the costs.

Can I install a metal roof myself?

While most metal roofing styles can be installed as an advanced DIY project, metal roofing installation is complicated and can vary slightly based on the brand of panels or shingles that you select. We recommend that you install a metal roof with one or two helpers and fall protection equipment designed for roof work.

Are metal roofs more energy efficient?

Metal roofs are one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials on the market because they reflect heat up and away from buildings. In fact, a metal roof can save homeowners up to 40% in energy costs.

Are metal roofs noisy?

One of the most frequent questions homeowners ask us is if their metal roof will be noisy when it rains and hails. And certainly given the long life-span of metal roofing (50+ years), it's a valid concern. The short answer is, no they aren't any noisier than other types of roofing.

Can you put a metal roof over an existing shingle roof?

The answer is, YES!

One big advantage to metal roofing is that it is light weight, which makes it the perfect material to be installed over an existing shingle roof.

How long does a metal roof last for insurance purposes?

Longevity. The expected lifespan of a metal roof can be as long as the home's. Most companies back their product for 20-50 years.

How long will a 29 gauge metal roof last?

When it comes to metal roofing, quality also relates to thickness; the thicker the gauge (the lower the number), the more durable the roof will be. At the cheaper end, you'll find thinner metals (26 to 29 gauge) with a lifespan of 20 to 25 years.

Do metal roofs make your attic hotter?

Will a Metal Roof Heat Up My Home? A common misconception is that metal roofs become hot in the summer and create an overheated living space because metal quickly heats up to the touch. However, this is a myth. Metal roofs do not make a house hotter than any other kind of roofing material.

Should you have gutters with a metal roof?

Overall, it's highly recommended that you install a gutter system with any type of roof, including metal roofing. Gutters help to prevent water-related issues and protect your home from those same issues.

Do homes with metal roofs get worse cell service?

Do metal roofs cause bad cell reception? Many people ask if a metal roof could be the cause of their poor cell phone reception at home. Well, the short answer is no, it isn't! There is no evidence that a metal roof disrupts the signal for your phone any more than another material.

What is the most popular color metal roof?

White Metal Roof

Whether you have a metal roof or an asphalt shingle roof, white remains one of the most common color options for U.S. homeowners. This popularity is because white metal roof colors can easily fit almost all roof and home styles.

What is the most popular metal roof color?

Black is one of the most popular metal roof colors and is the ultimate source of contrast to bright white siding like this.

What color roof sells the best?

If you're someone who needs a more technical answer, this article explains that roofs with good resale value tend to be neutral-colored. This includes tan, brown, black, and gray.

Will the cost of shingles go down in 2023?

The Short Answer

While some experts predict that inflation will dissipate some in 2023, it's doubtful that current economic conditions causing inflation on roofing materials will drop in 2023.

Why do metal roofs fail?

Underside corrosion – If the metal is improperly coated on the underside of the panel, corrosion could take place. This occurs when water molecules get trapped underneath between the panel and the insulation or underlayment, which can cause the metal to weaken if not coated.

What are the pros or cons of getting a metal roof?

Do metal roofs get too hot?

The surface temperature of a metal roof can get very hot in warm climates but not as hot as shingles. While unpainted metal can get up to 145 degrees in the summer, black asphalt shingles can get up to 168 degrees. Metal roofs coated with heat reflective paint can feel up to 42% cooler than unpainted metal.

Do metal roofs leak more than shingles?

Do Metal Roofs Leak More Than Shingles? If installed incorrectly, metal roofs have the potential to leak more than shingles. However, if you find an experienced contractor who can install it correctly, metal roofs shed snow and ice to prevent moisture buildup.

Does a metal roof need to be grounded?

Generally, metal roofing systems do not require grounding, nor is it required by international building codes.

Why not put metal roof over shingles?

It can generate an uneven surface: The furring boards the roofer place over the old shingles may create an uneven surface. These boards can absorb humidity from the environment and get bend over time. So, it may deform your metal roof with the pass of time.

Should you put a metal roof over old shingles?

It's absolutely fine to install a metal roof over shingles. People are accustomed to thinking of metal roofs as being heavy or cumbersome. In fact, metal roofs are so beneficial because they're very light. They're fast to install, and they come in large sheets rather than individual tiles.

Can you put metal roofing directly on asphalt shingles?

The short answer is yes, you're able to roof over your old asphalt roof with a new metal roof under the right circ*mstances. Your current asphalt roof has to be near the end of its lifespan and still lying down pretty flat (no lifted or cracked shingles, blisters, or bumps).

Can you connect a metal roof to a shingle roof?

Yes, you can do a metal roof and asphalt shingle roof combination. In most cases, this is done by adding metal roofing to certain areas of your asphalt roof.

How much more expensive is a metal roof over an asphalt roof?

Metal roofs, on the other hand, take more specialized knowledge to install, and the material itself is more expensive. Final prices vary based on brand and location, but the average cost of an asphalt shingle roof is $7,000 to $10,000, while metal roofs typically cost between $12,000 and $20,000.

Can you put a metal roof over 2 layers of shingles?

Many metal roofing systems can be installed over 1-2 layers of existing asphalt shingles, saving time, labor, and landfill costs.

Do you need a vapor barrier under a metal roof?

Without one, water can get trapped in the wall, which will produce moisture and ultimately other issues like rot, mold, and trouble with thermal performance. Vapor barriers are recommended for under metal roofs.

Do you need a barrier under metal roof?

To avoid condensation buildup with your metal roof, you will need to have a moisture barrier in place. When the air in the home is warmer than the air outside, condensation will collect. If the roof system is not ventilated properly, condensation can also collect.

Do you need an air gap under a metal roof?

Research has confirmed that creating an air space under a metal roofing system will increase energy savings during both summer and winter months. A study was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to document energy savings of metal versus asphalt roofs.

Can you roof over existing shingles?

Are you wondering if you can roof over existing shingles? The simple answer is that yes, you can.

Can you put a metal roof over 3 layers of shingles?

The answer is you can generally install a metal roof on top of shingles if there are fewer than four layers of shingles on the roof, but the exact standards vary by area. However, that process can lead to a variety of complications and therefore is not recommended.

Does a metal roof add more value than a shingle roof?

Increased Home Resale Value

A new roof on your home is a great way to increase your home's value — especially if you're looking to sell it. A metal roof can improve a home's resale value by up to 6% compared to a home with an asphalt-shingle roof.